Invasive Alien Species catch Europe’s attention

04 October 2013 | News story

The latest issue of the IUCN European Newsletter sheds light on the impacts and threats which Invasive Alien Species (IAS) pose to Europe’s biodiversity and economy and presents the latest policy development in this area.

IAS are animals, plants and other organisms introduced by human action outside their natural range of distribution where they get established causing damages to native species, human life and health, and local economy. Among the many threats that biodiversity has to face, Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are acknowledged to be one of the most serious and most difficult to reverse. In Europe alone, more than 1,500 species are reported to cause damage.

“As the second largest cause for biodiversity loss worldwide, biological invasions are a major concern which requires an urgent, effective and coordinated response. IUCN has a large network of experts who study, monitor and produce up to date knowledge on IAS in Europe and worldwide. Our vast expertise helps policy-makers to take better informed decisions. It is essential that policies are based on the latest scientific information to ensure that they are effective and adequate” says Luc Bas, the Director of IUCN European Union Representative Office in the editorial of the European Newsletter.